Quick take: Sarathi/Parivahan is the official starting point, but the exact online steps, test availability, fees and required documents vary by state and licence class. Use this guide to understand the sequence, then confirm the final checklist on your state’s Sarathi flow before paying.
Where this guide can differ by state
Licence services are implemented through state transport authorities using Sarathi/Parivahan, so the exact screen, remote learner-test availability, appointment rules and user charges can differ. That is why the official state flow is the final checklist.
Reliable sequence for a first licence
- Select your state in Sarathi and start the learner-licence application.
- Upload/submit the documents requested for your category and complete the learner test as instructed by the state.
- Hold a valid learner licence for the minimum period required before the driving test; Parivahan’s permanent-licence guidance states at least 30 days.
- Book the test of competence and take the appropriate vehicle/documents requested by the RTO.
- Track issuance through the official portal rather than paying an agent for “faster approval.”
Fees shown inside Sarathi are more reliable than a blog total because state user charges and service combinations vary. Use this article for the process, and the live portal for the amount you actually pay.
Getting a driving licence in India used to mean taking half a day off work, standing in a long queue at the RTO, and hoping the officer at the counter was in a good mood.
The process has genuinely improved. Most states now allow the complete application online through the Parivahan portal. My cousin in Pune got her learning licence approved without visiting the RTO at all — the test was online and the licence was delivered by post.
Here is the complete process.
Step 1 — Go to the Official Portal
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
This is the official Ministry of Road Transport portal. Do not use any third-party agents or websites — they charge fees for a process you can do yourself for free (except the government fee).
Select your state from the dropdown menu.
Step 2 — Apply for Learning Licence First
You cannot apply for a permanent driving licence without first holding a learning licence for at least 30 days.
On the Sarathi portal: Driving Licence → Apply for Learner Licence → fill the application form
You will need:
- Aadhaar number for identity verification
- Address proof (Aadhaar serves this purpose)
- Date of birth proof (Aadhaar or Class 10 certificate)
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature (you will upload a scanned image)
The learner-licence fee and user charges are shown in the live Sarathi flow and can vary by state/service combination.
Step 3 — Take the Learning Licence Test
The learning licence test is a 20-question online multiple choice test on traffic rules and road signs. You need to score at least 60% (12 out of 20) to pass.
The test is available in Hindi, English, and most regional languages. You can take it:
- At the RTO (scheduled appointment)
- Online from home in states that have enabled remote testing
Study material is available free on the Sarathi portal under “Study Material for LL Test.” Spend one hour reading through it the day before — the questions are straightforward and based entirely on standard traffic rules and road sign meanings.
Step 4 — Receive Your Learning Licence
After passing the test your learning licence is generated digitally. You can download it from the Sarathi portal and save it on your phone — DigiLocker integration means it is legally valid on your phone without printing.
The learning licence is valid for 6 months. You must practice driving during this period and apply for your permanent licence after a minimum of 30 days.
Step 5 — Apply for Permanent Driving Licence
After 30 days of holding your learning licence:
Sarathi Portal → Apply for Driving Licence → select your learning licence number
Book a driving test appointment at your nearest RTO. This is the one step that still requires a physical visit in most states.
Documents to carry on test day:
- Learning licence (printed or on DigiLocker)
- Aadhaar card original
- Application fee receipt
Driving-test, licence and user charges are shown in the live Sarathi flow and can vary by state and vehicle class.
Step 6 — The Driving Test
The driving test at most RTOs involves:
- Basic vehicle control demonstration
- Driving on a marked track with specific manoeuvres
- Knowledge of hand signals in some RTOs
The test is straightforward if you have actually practiced driving for the 30-day learning period. The most common failure reason is nervousness rather than skill — the test track manoeuvres are basic.
Step 7 — Receive Your Permanent Licence
After passing the test your permanent driving licence is processed and delivered by Speed Post to your registered address within 7–21 days.
You can track the status at the Sarathi portal using your application number. The licence is also available on DigiLocker before the physical card arrives — the DigiLocker version is legally valid for driving.
Fees
Use the amount shown in your state’s Sarathi application flow. Central fee components and state user charges can differ, so a fixed all-India total can become outdated.
Sources and verification
Time-sensitive facts in this guide were reviewed against primary or official sources on 23 August 2026. Rules, fees, weather access and operating conditions can change, so check the source again before you pay or travel.
- Parivahan Sewa — Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
- Sarathi licence services
- Parivahan — permanent licence procedure
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